Obama: U.S. comeback can revive global economy

President Obama took his jobs campaign to the Clinton Global Initiative today, saying the best way to revive the world economy "is to get our own economy moving again."

"When America is growing again, the world is more likely to grow," Obama said, promoting the $447 billion jobs plan he submitted to Congress this month.

Obama has spent most of his time on foreign policy since landing in New York City on Monday for United Nations meetings. An invitation from former president Bill Clinton's non-profit group gave him a chance to promote what he calls the American Jobs Act.

The proposal is not a "silver bullet" that will solve all problems, Obama said, "but it will put more people back to work."

Congressional Republicans and some Democrats have expressed skepticism about the size and scope of the package, which includes a series of stimulative tax cuts and infrastructure projects.

Obama expressed frustration with all the Washington infighting, saying, "Our politics right now is not doing us any favors." Obama said he envied Clinton because he gets to deal with "people who are just reasonable all the time."

Praising the work of the Clinton Global Initiative, Obama joked, "It is so good to see so many do-gooders in one room." The president described Clinton as "the do-gooder in chief."

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About David Jackson

David's journalism career spans three decades, including coverage of five presidential elections, the Oklahoma City bombing, the 2000 Florida presidential recount and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has covered the White House for USA TODAY since 2005. His interests include history, politics, books, movies and college football -- not necessarily in that order. More about David